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CLARIFICATIONS BY HPB ON ALLEGATIONS ABOUT HPB’S APPROACH IN PROMOTING HEALTHIER EATING, INCLUDING THE HEALTHIER CHOICE SYMBOL

Singapore, 25 June 2025 - The Health Promotion Board (HPB) is aware of recent social media videos alleging that HPB has misled the public by endorsing certain food products, including ultra processed foods, as healthy when they carry the Healthier Choice Symbol (HCS). HPB categorically rejects these misleading and inaccurate allegations. Our responses to the specific allegations are laid out below:

(i)            On claims that HPB has misled the public by endorsing alleged ‘unhealthy’ food products, including ultra processed foods, with the HCS  

The videos alleged that HPB “endorses all ultra processed food as healthy, which is not” and that HPB is “giving a health logo for a completely artificial and a s***y product”.

This is not true. HPB rejects these misleading and inaccurate allegations.

The HCS endorses the relatively healthier options within a food product category based on objective criteria, such as they are lower in sugar, sodium, or saturated fat, or are higher in wholegrains and calcium. With the wide variety of food products in the marketplace, the front-of-pack HCS label helps consumers to make informed decisions on which items are the healthier options within a product category. It does not endorse any food product on its own as “healthy”.

To carry the HCS, food products must comply with specific nutrient thresholds to ensure they are healthier alternatives compared to similar products within the same category. For example, for HCS-certified malted beverages, when prepared as directed, contain no more than 5% sugar. This is approximately 25% lower than regular malted and chocolate drinks.

The HCS nutrient guidelines are based on extensive review of literature, local market conditions and consultation with food industry and academic experts. They are reviewed regularly to stay relevant to the latest consumption trends and new scientific evidence, and to address nutritional gaps in Singaporeans’ diets.

(ii)          Allegations that HPB is not credible in promoting healthier eating

The videos called on viewers “not to be fooled by all these false declarations as a health product by the health authorities who are supposed to protect us but they are destroying us”.

HPB rejects these allegations. These statements are defamatory and misleading. They undermine public confidence in national health efforts.

HPB is the agency responsible for overseeing national health promotion and disease prevention programmes, and promoting healthier lifestyles through nationwide initiatives. Our initiatives, including measures such as the HCS programme and My Healthy Plate, are developed based on scientifically accepted data, international standards and public health research. HPB reviews its policies regularly to ensure that its policies and its programmes remain aligned with prevailing scientific consensus.

We urge all members of the public to exercise caution if they come across claims or views that are not based on scientific research or internationally accepted data. Sharing or acting on such claims or views may perpetuate the spread of inaccurate information, and lead to unnecessary alarm or confusion of important public health matters.

HPB will monitor the situation and will take legal actions to uphold our reputation when necessary.

For accurate and up-to-date information about HPB and the HCS programme, please visit www.hpb.gov.sg and www.healthhub.sg.